BleepingComputer.com: What is the difference

I have always used store bought security for my computer thinking it's better than free. Thinking on that subject I discovered that I don't really know what the difference is. It will most likely vary from brand to brand. Can any body give us all some basic differences; there for am I wasting my money?

This post has been edited by Layback Bear: 31 January 2009 - 08:38 AM

The differences aren't very big. You can get a free Anti-virus (Avira, for example), firewall (comodo), and spyware scanner (Malwarebytes or SUPERantispyware) that work as well, or better, than many paid software.

I agree with xblindx. There are some good paid programs out there, but according to recent test results, Avira AntiVir outperformed all of the paid anti-viruses in detection. :D

The only thing with Avira is when it updates, it will popup a message asking you to buy the paid version. No big deal, you just have to click ok. I think that is a small price to pay for their awesome software.

Go Avira AntiVir!

Many "Paid" security applications also offer a free version. Reviewing the differences between the two generally shows that both have the same basic functionality, and the "paid" version has more "bells and whistles" or a nicer user interface. Again, many security suites, while they have the benefit of all-in-one ease of use, vary in the quality of each module; it is often a better choice to use several individual applications, each of which is entirely focused on doing one thing.

Thank all you folks for getting back. There surely is more than that or why do I keep buying the store bought one. May be I'm just slow.

It's all about marketing. Obviously Symantec or McAfee are going to be more aggressive in marketing to get you to buy it. It doesn't mean their products are more effective than free products. You're assuming that.

Know that not true. I really don't know what the plus and minus are. Advertising might be what has me confused.